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Caleb continued his conversation with Arthur and Uncle, maintaining a lighthearted and friendly demeanor. He could sense their initial wariness, a natural reaction given the high bounties on their heads and the constant threat of bounty hunters or lawmen especially Pinkertons trying to track them down.
Despite their guarded expressions, Caleb didn't back down. He kept the conversation flowing, sharing stories of his recent exploits in Valentine and subtly showcasing his skills without coming across as boastful.
As the conversation progressed, Arthur and Uncle began to relax slightly. Uncle, in particular, seemed to enjoy Caleb's company, offering him a swig of bourbon from his bottle. Caleb accepted the offer but took only small sips, keeping his wits about him.
He knew that Karen would soon be bringing a drunk man to the hotel to rob, only to be caught and abused. Tilly, meanwhile, would be found in the alley left of the bank, roughed up by a man from her past gang who had tracked her down.
And Mary-Beth would arrive later with valuable information about a train full of rich passengers heading to Saint Denis, passing through Scarlett Meadows, a prime target for a robbery due to its quietness.
Caleb's presence here complicated things. He didn't know if Mary-Beth would share the information about the train right away, especially with a stranger like him around.
She would likely be on her guard, but if Arthur and Uncle had a good impression of him, she might let her guard down. Even if she didn't mention the train, she could still talk about Karen and Tilly's plans to rob a couple of drunk men, which would give Caleb an opportunity to intervene and potentially earn the gang's trust.
As the bourbon continued to flow, Arthur and Uncle grew more relaxed, their laughter becoming louder and more frequent. Caleb kept up with the conversation, his sharp perception allowing him to read their moods and adjust his tone accordingly.
He knew that Arthur, despite his rough exterior, was a man who valued loyalty and competence. If Caleb could prove himself useful, he might just earn a place in the gang or at least their respect and become their friend.
Eventually, the effects of the bourbon began to take their toll on Arthur and Uncle. Uncle leaned back against the bench, his eyes drooping, while Arthur stifled a yawn. "Reckon we might need a nap now," Arthur said, his words slightly slurred. "Been a long day."
Caleb nodded, hiding a smile. "I'll leave you to it, then. Thanks for the drink and the company."
As Caleb stood to leave, Mary-Beth approached the group, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution. She glanced at Caleb, then at Arthur and Uncle, who were now dozing off. "Who's this?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes sharp.
"Caleb Thorne," Arthur mumbled, barely awake. "Good fella. Helped us pass the time."
Mary-Beth raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. She turned her attention to Caleb, her gaze appraising. "Well, Mr. Caleb Thorne, I hope you're not causing any trouble."
Caleb chuckled. "Not at all, pretty lady. Just sharing a drink and some stories. I'll leave you to it." He tipped his hat and walked away, giving Mary-Beth space to speak with Arthur and Uncle. He didn't go far, though.
He lingered nearby, pretending to enter the general store and browse the wares while keeping an ear on their conversation through the window.
Mary-Beth at this time gently shook Arthur and Uncle awake, her voice turned gentle. "Wake up, Gentlemen. I think I've got something good. I snuck into this fancy house, and acted like a servant girl, and someone was saying her sister was taking a trip from New York or someplace. Train full of rich tourists, heading to Saint Denis, and cruising off to Brazil."
Arthur and Uncle both already awoke and looking at Mary-Beth from the bench, with drowsiness still on their faces listening to her, with Arthur nodded his head, "Okay?"
Mary-Beth continued her explanation, her voice low but urgent. "The train's full of baggage and will be passing through a bit of deserted country at night. They're trying to get to the docks in time for the tides in some place called Scarlett Meadows."
Uncle, now fully awake, nodded enthusiastically, his left hand gesturing animatedly. "Yeah, I know it. Yeah, yeah, it's right out near New Hanover. It's really quiet out there. Perfect spot for a job."
Arthur scratched his beard, his expression thoughtful. "Sounds good," he said, his voice steady. "But where are Tilly and Karen? I tell you all to not go too far and stick together."
Mary-Beth hesitated for a moment before replying. "I think they were at the hotel. They were picking up a couple of drunken fellers they were planning to rob. Seemed easy enough."
Arthur frowned. "Why'd they go off on their own? We're supposed to stick together."
Mary-Beth shrugged. "They thought it'd be quick. But they've been gone for a while now. I'm starting to worry."
Arthur stood up, his movements deliberate. "I'll go check on them. Don't need any trouble blowing back on us." He turned to Uncle and Mary-Beth. "You two stay here and keep an eye out. I'll be back soon."
Caleb, who had been pretending to browse the general store's wares while eavesdropping, saw his chance. He stepped out of the store and approached Arthur, his expression concerned. "Couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation," he said, his tone casual but earnest. "Sounds like a couple of women might be in trouble. I know Valentine better than most. Maybe I can help."
Arthur's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to Caleb, his voice low and threatening. "You have been listening in on our conversation on purpose?"
Caleb held up his hands in a placating gesture, his face blank but calm. "Swear I wasn't. I was just leaving the store and overheard you talking about some women maybe getting into trouble. I've been around Valentine long enough to know how things can go south fast. Just offering to help, that's all."
Before Arthur could respond, Mary-Beth suddenly pointed toward the bank. "There's Tilly over there!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm.
Everyone turned to look. Tilly was being dragged by a dark-skinned man toward the alley to the left of the bank. The man's grip was rough, and Tilly was struggling against him, her face a mix of fear and anger.
Mary-Beth's voice was tight with worry. "That doesn't look ideal."
Arthur took a step back from Caleb, his expression still wary but slightly softened. "Alright, Caleb. Since you're so eager to help, let's see what you've got. Follow me."
Caleb nodded and fell into step behind Arthur as they hurried toward the alley. When they arrived, they found the man pinning Tilly against the wall, his voice harsh and threatening.
"You thought you could run away from us, huh?" the man sneered, his grip tightening on Tilly's arm. "You think you can just kill my cousin, leave the gang, and start over? You're nothing without us, Tilly. Nothing."
Tilly's voice was defiant, though her eyes betrayed her fear. "I'm not going back with you, Anthony. I'm done with that life. You hear me? Done!"
The man, Anthony, laughed darkly. "You don't get to decide that, girl. You belong to us. Always have, always will."
Arthur stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Hey! Let her go."
Anthony turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in Arthur and Caleb. "This ain't your business, cowboy. Walk away."
Arthur's hand rested on the grip of his revolver, his expression calm but dangerous. "I'm making it my business. Now, let her go, or things are gonna get real ugly."
Anthony hesitated, his eyes darting between Arthur and Caleb. He clearly hadn't expected to be confronted. "You don't know who you're messing with," he growled, though his voice lacked conviction.
Caleb stepped forward, his tone steady but firm with his hand on his knife. "We don't care who you are. Let her go, or you'll regret it."
Anthony's grip on Tilly loosened slightly, and she took the opportunity to pull away, stumbling toward Arthur and Caleb. Cleet glared at them, his hands clenched into fists. "This ain't over," he spat before turning and disappearing into the shadows of the alley.
Arthur watched him go, his hand still on his revolver. Once Anthony was out of sight, he turned to Tilly, his expression softening. "You alright?"
Tilly nodded, though her hands were trembling. "Thanks to you two. I… I didn't think anyone would come."
Caleb gave her a reassuring smile. "You're safe now. Let's get you back to the others."
As they walked back to the general store, Arthur glanced at Caleb, his earlier wariness replaced with a hint of respect. "You handled yourself well back there. Thanks for the help."
Caleb shrugged modestly. "Just doing what's right. But if you ever need help with anything else, you know where to find me."
Arthur nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well I do need some help again now, since you have lived here in Valentine longer than us, you should have known the hotel clerk right? We need to look for the other woman Karen."
Caleb smiled and nodded his head, "Of course, I knew him, I live at the hotel as well. Don't worry I help you, he's a cool guy."
When they returned to the group, Mary-Beth and Uncle were waiting anxiously. Mary-Beth rushed to Tilly's side, her expression relieved. "Are you okay? What happened?"
Tilly gave her a weak smile. "I'm fine. Thanks to Arthur and Caleb here."
Mary-Beth glanced at Caleb, her earlier suspicion replaced with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly.
After that Arthur quickly took charge, instructing Uncle to stay with Tilly and Mary-Beth to keep them safe while he and Caleb went to the hotel to find Karen.
Uncle nodded in agreement, his usual lazy demeanor replaced with a rare sense of responsibility. Caleb led the way, his familiarity with Valentine proving invaluable as they made their way to the hotel.
When they entered the hotel, the clerk immediately recognized Caleb and greeted him with a warm smile. "Afternoon, Caleb. What can I do for you today?"
Caleb returned the smile and gestured to Arthur. "We're looking for a girl who came in with a drunk feller."
Arthur added, " Blonde, mid-twenties. You'd definitely remember her."
The clerk nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yeah, I remember them. They're staying in room 2B, upstairs. Are you friends of his?"
Caleb nodded. "No, we're friends of hers. Thanks for the help."
The clerk waved them off with a smile. "No problem. Hope everything's alright."
Caleb led Arthur upstairs, his memory guiding him to room 2B at the end of the hall to the right. As they approached the door, they could hear the sound of a scuffle inside. Karen's voice, sharp and panicked, cut through the air. "Get off me! I said no!"
A man's voice, slurred and angry, responded. "I will get what I paid for, you little—"
Arthur didn't wait to hear more. He kicked the door open with a loud crash, his voice booming as he stepped inside. "Hey! What the hell's going on here?"
Caleb followed close behind, his eyes quickly taking in the scene. Karen was on the ground, a bruise forming on her face as she scrambled to the corner of the room. The man, a lanky figure with a flushed face and disheveled white under clothes, turned to face them, his expression a mix of anger and confusion. "Who the hell are you two?" the man demanded, his voice thick with alcohol. "This ain't your business. Get out!"
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Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 4/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 0)
Money: 246 dollars and 0 cents,